Tienen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Tienen’s Winter Magic 2025 opens Nov 28, 2025, to Dec 31, 2025, with a Christmas market, ice rink, carousels, and workshops. Alderman Gisbrecht Huts leads the event, including Sinterklaas’ arrival and festive entertainment.
As VRT News reported, Tienen is hosting the Winter Magic festival. The event will include a Christmas market and an ice rink in the city centre. This year, the festival will start a week earlier than usual. The festival officially opens with the arrival of the Christmas tree on the Grote Markt.
Alderman for Events Gisbrecht Huts (IN-VA) said the change responds to increasing public interest.
“People want to skate and enjoy the festive atmosphere before the holidays. Starting earlier allows everyone to take part,”
he said.
What’s new at Tienen’s Winter Magic festival this year?
Sinterklaas will arrive on the Grote Markt this Saturday, Nov 15, 2025, to start the end-of-year celebrations. Huts said there is no overlap between Sinterklaas and Santa Claus. Each event has its own space and time. Winter Magic will offer ice skating, shopping, and entertainment for families.
The Christmas market in Tienen will open with a slightly new layout this year.
“We’ve received feedback from stallholders and visitors. For example, we’ve decided to place the Christmas chalets closer together in U-shapes in two locations around the cosy Wintermagie attractions. This will create a more cosy and welcoming atmosphere.”
The official start of Winter Magic is set for Saturday, November 29, 2025. The opening will feature a fire performance by L’homme Canon. Before that, the indoor ice rink and heated winter bar will open on Friday, November 28, 2025, with disco skating. There will also be live performances and free workshops for children. The full program will be available soon on the city’s official website.
Winter Magic in Tienen started in 2015 as a small festive event on the Grote Markt. The first edition featured a Christmas market and a temporary ice rink. Over the years, the festival grew and added attractions like carousels, a small train for children, live performances, workshops, and holiday decorations.
By 2018, Winter Magic had become one of the region’s main winter events, drawing visitors from across Flemish Brabant and nearby areas. Santa Claus visits and other entertainment continue until early January.
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